Recognising outstanding voluntary work in Northumberland

These awards, taking place at Berwick Rugby Club in Scremerston on September 24, will celebrate the unsung heroes of North Northumberland’s communities, covering an area from Cornhill and Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north, to Holy Island in the east, Seahouses and Belford, and west across to Wooler.

Across North Northumberland, hundreds of volunteer groups and organisations are supported by volunteers of all ages. The NNVF acts as a vital hub to support these organisations and individuals who provide help to people in the local community. These awards are intended to shine a light on the exceptional, inspirational voluntary dedication that makes a crucial difference to those most in need.

The NNVF is seeking nominations for volunteer groups, businesses, and individuals of all ages, including young people. This year’s award categories are: The Grass Roots Award – for smaller groups run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff; Project/Organisation of the Year – awarded to a project or organisation operating for more than 12 months; Volunteer of the Year – for an unpaid individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the local voluntary sector; Young Person Volunteer Award – for an individual aged 18 or under who volunteers in their community; Commercial Business Support Award – recognising businesses that go above and beyond in support of voluntary efforts; The Lady Crossman Lifetime Achievement Award – for an unpaid individual who has made a significant contribution to the voluntary sector over ten years or more.

In 2024, the Lady Crossman Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Enid Turnbull for her commitment to HospiceCare’s Berwick Bereavement Support team as a volunteer over 17 years. Enid’s journey as a volunteer with HospiceCare began in 2007, initially supporting our nursing team in Berwick and caring for palliative patients.

Announcing details of this year’s awards, Flora Simpson, chair of the NNVF, said: “Our annual awards acknowledge the exceptional dedication and commitment of the voluntary groups and individuals who make such a difference to the lives of people who need the most help.

“The Community Foundation North East understands how vital this voluntary contribution is to the wellbeing of our communities, and we are delighted that they are supporting the Forum and our outstanding volunteers this year.”

The Community Foundation North East is an organisation that connects generous people with important community causes across North East England.

Through its grant-making, the Foundation helps hundreds of local charities and voluntary organisations each year, building stronger communities and tackling issues from social isolation to youth development.

For full details of the categories, criteria, and to make your nominations, please visit www.nnvforum.org.uk or call 01289 304141. Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, August 4.